I last posted about the beginning of our trip to visit Raleigh back in late March. That quickly turned into the story of how I resigned from my teaching job. I had good intentions of continuing my story about our trip down south, but as writing goes, I feel further inclined to write about something else.
I will though, give you brief synopsis of our trip...
*It is an 8 hour drive and we made it in 10 with an 8 month old baby - huge success!
*No offense to those that live in West Virginia, but gosh it was a depressing drive. Virginia was much nicer.
*We visited a lot of parks, museums, and local venues. There is a TON to do!
*It was 75 and sunny - it was amazing.
*I may or may not have had three break downs - full fledged crying, perhaps an, "I don't want to move," once or twice, etc. It was quite an emotional week - especially with having resigned from my job 2 seconds into our trip - something that I was not mentally prepared for.
*It was beautiful.
So onto something different.
This morning Ryan and I were lounging around the house watching Dean play (yes, we didn't go to church - it has been a rough summer for us. Teaching Sunday School to 4-6 year olds for 5 weeks with our own 11 month old in the same room may have put us over the edge for a while), when Ryan said nonchalantly, "Christmas is in 4 months tomorrow."
WHAT!
"Stop it, you can't be serious," was my obvious reply. Was I full of excitement - obviously. I love Christmas. Was I also shocked that he was stating this fun little fact when the high today was close to 90 degrees and I can't even begin to think of snow and cold yet? Of course.
But then he followed up with this gem...
"And we will be living in North Carolina in about 9 weeks."
I'm sorry, let me stop and have a panic attack.
Ryan told me last week that I needed to, "seriously start packing." So I've only packed about 10 boxes - big deal. But wait, what? We're putting our house on the market in two weeks? Oh for the love of everything.
Let me just tell you what "packing" looks like with a one year old - "Dean, don't touch that." "Dean, NO!" "Dean, you cannot eat that." "Dean, stop climbing on that." All. Day. Long.
So I haven't physically packed many boxes. In my mind I know where everything is supposed to go. I know exactly which kitchen items I want to put in storage, the ones that I want to get rid of, and the ones that will be making the move with us. It's simply a technicality that I haven't actually put them into boxes.
Ryan did tell me that he is taking a vacation day on Friday to "get the house ready to be shown," so I suppose I actually should pack a few more boxes this week. He also asked me if I wanted any help from outside sources - family members - and I instantly began to sweat and panic.
No offense what-so-ever to any of our family, but the stress of moving is enough for me to handle, I do not think I can handle being asked what I want done with this and that, and am I keeping this cute bowl? Or is it going in this pile? I very much like to do projects like this on my own. Some may say I like to be in control...I wouldn't deny that. Is that a flaw? Perhaps. But I am incredibly efficient and awesome at organization. So I'll take doing this on my own. I will most likely complain every day about it to Ryan, but it'll get done.
So here is to promising to pack more boxes this week. And no, I won't use my excuse of, "I didn't pack anything today because I forgot to put the boxes together before Dean took a nap."
Ha! That's right, I've actually used that one.
xoxo,
Beth
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
My Dream Job
At the end of March, Ryan and I decided that we should probably take a trip down south to the place that we were going to be calling home for the next few years. So we packed up our car with way too many clothes - guilty -, baby items, and snacks, and set out for the eight hour drive.
I was excited to get away for a long weekend and to spend some uninterrupted time with Ryan and Dean, but I was also a bit anxious. If you are to look up what a "home body" is, my picture would be plastered right next to the term. I like knowing what is going to happen, I like knowing where I am, and when I don't, I tend to get a bit anxious. So, never having been to North Carolina was exciting yet nerve wracking. .
As we were making our way across Ohio and were coming close to entering West Virginia the excitement suddenly halted. We were minding our own business at a beautiful rest area (when you have a baby, you stop OFTEN), when I got a phone call.
It was my boss.
I suppose I should stop and discuss the back story as to why this phone call was the beginning of my emotional spiral on this trip.
Last year I took a year leave of absence from my job when I had Dean. The first day of school would have been the first day back from my six week maternity leave, and I could not fathom attempting to get a classroom ready weeks before that with a three week old baby. No thanks. So, with the encouragement of Ryan, I made the decision to take the year off to be a Mommy. I knew going into my year leave that I had until April 1st to decide whether or not I would be coming back for the following school year. April 1 is "doomsday," as I had experienced the previous three years - but that's a different story.
So, my boss was calling me to see "where my head was" about the following school year. Was I coming back? Was I going to resign? I had been incredibly quiet about whether or not I would be returning to work and had only discussed it with a select few people, and none of those being my boss. Therefore, he had no idea what I was thinking.
The second that I saw the phone number pop up on my phone I instantly began to panic. I wasn't ready. I knew what I was going to do, but I wasn't ready. We were literally on our way out of the state to go visit our new home. This was NOT the time for me to be resigning from my career. I technically had another week to make my decision. I wanted that time.
My boss and I exchanged pleasantries and then, he cut to the chase. I looked at Ryan and with panicked eyes, I mouthed to him, "Do I just tell him?" Ryan nodded.
I resigned.
I told him that we were going to be relocating for my husband's job and that I would not be returning for the following school year. He was incredibly understanding and wished me well. He also told me that when we move back to call him. I took this as a great sign and something to look forward to.
I knew that resigning from my job was a step that I had to take, but what I didn't realize was how upset and emotional it would make me. Being a teacher is what I have always wanted to do with my life, and teaching at Mason has always been my dream job. I was lucky enough to get hired on as a 5th grade language arts/social studies teacher 13 days before school started in 2010 and loved every second of it. I have made amazing friends and even taught with my 5th grade teacher.
Leaving my dream job was heartbreaking. I know that moving to North Carolina for a few years is what is best for our family, but it is never easy to give up something that you love so much. I suppose once I resigned everything became incredibly real. We really are moving. I am unemployed. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and began to swim in my thoughts.
But then I realized, I may have just quit my job, but now I have the amazing opportunity to be a stay at home mom to Dean. I'm blessed enough to spend my days with him and we get the opportunity to see a new part of the country and explore a new city!
Sometimes it takes a while for me to see the "glass half full," but I always know it is there.
Here's to quitting my dream job only to realize that I now am living my dream job - being Mom.
xoxo,
Beth
I was excited to get away for a long weekend and to spend some uninterrupted time with Ryan and Dean, but I was also a bit anxious. If you are to look up what a "home body" is, my picture would be plastered right next to the term. I like knowing what is going to happen, I like knowing where I am, and when I don't, I tend to get a bit anxious. So, never having been to North Carolina was exciting yet nerve wracking. .
As we were making our way across Ohio and were coming close to entering West Virginia the excitement suddenly halted. We were minding our own business at a beautiful rest area (when you have a baby, you stop OFTEN), when I got a phone call.
It was my boss.
I suppose I should stop and discuss the back story as to why this phone call was the beginning of my emotional spiral on this trip.
Last year I took a year leave of absence from my job when I had Dean. The first day of school would have been the first day back from my six week maternity leave, and I could not fathom attempting to get a classroom ready weeks before that with a three week old baby. No thanks. So, with the encouragement of Ryan, I made the decision to take the year off to be a Mommy. I knew going into my year leave that I had until April 1st to decide whether or not I would be coming back for the following school year. April 1 is "doomsday," as I had experienced the previous three years - but that's a different story.
So, my boss was calling me to see "where my head was" about the following school year. Was I coming back? Was I going to resign? I had been incredibly quiet about whether or not I would be returning to work and had only discussed it with a select few people, and none of those being my boss. Therefore, he had no idea what I was thinking.
The second that I saw the phone number pop up on my phone I instantly began to panic. I wasn't ready. I knew what I was going to do, but I wasn't ready. We were literally on our way out of the state to go visit our new home. This was NOT the time for me to be resigning from my career. I technically had another week to make my decision. I wanted that time.
My boss and I exchanged pleasantries and then, he cut to the chase. I looked at Ryan and with panicked eyes, I mouthed to him, "Do I just tell him?" Ryan nodded.
I resigned.
I told him that we were going to be relocating for my husband's job and that I would not be returning for the following school year. He was incredibly understanding and wished me well. He also told me that when we move back to call him. I took this as a great sign and something to look forward to.
I knew that resigning from my job was a step that I had to take, but what I didn't realize was how upset and emotional it would make me. Being a teacher is what I have always wanted to do with my life, and teaching at Mason has always been my dream job. I was lucky enough to get hired on as a 5th grade language arts/social studies teacher 13 days before school started in 2010 and loved every second of it. I have made amazing friends and even taught with my 5th grade teacher.
Leaving my dream job was heartbreaking. I know that moving to North Carolina for a few years is what is best for our family, but it is never easy to give up something that you love so much. I suppose once I resigned everything became incredibly real. We really are moving. I am unemployed. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and began to swim in my thoughts.
But then I realized, I may have just quit my job, but now I have the amazing opportunity to be a stay at home mom to Dean. I'm blessed enough to spend my days with him and we get the opportunity to see a new part of the country and explore a new city!
Sometimes it takes a while for me to see the "glass half full," but I always know it is there.
Here's to quitting my dream job only to realize that I now am living my dream job - being Mom.
xoxo,
Beth
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Here we come North Carolina!
Secret's out! The Morrow family is packing up and saying goodbye to the Midwest.
For many, this news is not new. In fact, Ryan and I have known since February that we were moving.
So how did we get here, you may ask? Well, it has been somewhat of a whirlwind. When Ryan began working for TQL he loved it. It was perfect for him - fast paced, intense, opportunities to mentor others, teach, etc. It fit Ryan's personality like a glove. And, he was good at it.
A few years in, there came the opportunity for Ryan to help be a "Founding Member" of a new office in West Chester. When this opportunity came about, Ryan told me, "I have to. It's the only way that I can move up." I let him know that I would support him in any decision that he wanted to make. Whatever was best for him was what was best for our family.
A year and a few months later, after some crazy turn of events, we thought that Ryan would have the opportunity to take over the West Chester office. It was everything that Ryan had been working for - to be the boss! After a few more crazy turn of events, Ryan was not asked to take over the West Chester office, but to relocate to North Carolina and open a brand new office.
Now, relocation has been a topic of conversation in our house for a few years. We always knew that it was a possibility, but did we actually think it would happen? I don't think so. Is it happening? Absolutely.
The day that Ryan came home and said, "Well, they asked me to go to North Carolina today," I sat in stunned silence. What? I didn't want to be unsupportive, because I've always told Ryan that I would live in a box with him. I didn't care where we were, so long as we were together. But let's be honest. My heart sank and I wanted to throw up.
He relayed the conversation that one of the Vice President's of the company had with him, and he said to me, "Well. What do we do?"
Obviously it would be career suicide if we didn't go - plain and simple. The whole reason that Ryan helped begin the West Chester office was so that he could continue to move up in the company. And well, that day had come. He was sought out and asked to open his own office. They trusted him enough to move him to a new town, give him an office, and trust his judgement when hiring new employees. If that isn't one of the highest compliments that he could get, I don't know what is. Of course we had to go. Ryan would never get another opportunity like this again. At least not with TQL.
With many questions, concerns, and worries on my end, Ryan said something that really hit home to me. "Beth, we pray to God every night to bless us with good favor. And now that He has opened this door, we're going to say no just because it isn't our favorite option? Yeah, just kidding God. We still want you to continue to bless us with good favor, but we'd like it if it wasn't this. Thanks!"
Gosh darn it. He's right.
And off to North Carolina we go.
I wanted to start this blog to help our family and friends keep up with us while we are away. Just a disclaimer though: I have always been terrified to share my writing and thoughts with others. Even now, my stomach is in knots. I cannot guarantee that there won't be some ridiculous posts, but this seems like the easiest way to stay in touch. So, I hope you enjoy this new chapter of our lives with us. It's bound to be interesting in the least.
xoxo,
Beth
For many, this news is not new. In fact, Ryan and I have known since February that we were moving.
So how did we get here, you may ask? Well, it has been somewhat of a whirlwind. When Ryan began working for TQL he loved it. It was perfect for him - fast paced, intense, opportunities to mentor others, teach, etc. It fit Ryan's personality like a glove. And, he was good at it.
A few years in, there came the opportunity for Ryan to help be a "Founding Member" of a new office in West Chester. When this opportunity came about, Ryan told me, "I have to. It's the only way that I can move up." I let him know that I would support him in any decision that he wanted to make. Whatever was best for him was what was best for our family.
A year and a few months later, after some crazy turn of events, we thought that Ryan would have the opportunity to take over the West Chester office. It was everything that Ryan had been working for - to be the boss! After a few more crazy turn of events, Ryan was not asked to take over the West Chester office, but to relocate to North Carolina and open a brand new office.
Now, relocation has been a topic of conversation in our house for a few years. We always knew that it was a possibility, but did we actually think it would happen? I don't think so. Is it happening? Absolutely.
The day that Ryan came home and said, "Well, they asked me to go to North Carolina today," I sat in stunned silence. What? I didn't want to be unsupportive, because I've always told Ryan that I would live in a box with him. I didn't care where we were, so long as we were together. But let's be honest. My heart sank and I wanted to throw up.
He relayed the conversation that one of the Vice President's of the company had with him, and he said to me, "Well. What do we do?"
Obviously it would be career suicide if we didn't go - plain and simple. The whole reason that Ryan helped begin the West Chester office was so that he could continue to move up in the company. And well, that day had come. He was sought out and asked to open his own office. They trusted him enough to move him to a new town, give him an office, and trust his judgement when hiring new employees. If that isn't one of the highest compliments that he could get, I don't know what is. Of course we had to go. Ryan would never get another opportunity like this again. At least not with TQL.
With many questions, concerns, and worries on my end, Ryan said something that really hit home to me. "Beth, we pray to God every night to bless us with good favor. And now that He has opened this door, we're going to say no just because it isn't our favorite option? Yeah, just kidding God. We still want you to continue to bless us with good favor, but we'd like it if it wasn't this. Thanks!"
Gosh darn it. He's right.
And off to North Carolina we go.
I wanted to start this blog to help our family and friends keep up with us while we are away. Just a disclaimer though: I have always been terrified to share my writing and thoughts with others. Even now, my stomach is in knots. I cannot guarantee that there won't be some ridiculous posts, but this seems like the easiest way to stay in touch. So, I hope you enjoy this new chapter of our lives with us. It's bound to be interesting in the least.
xoxo,
Beth
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